Okay, Important question: Who is Gilgamesh trying to ambush constantly?
Fractured Fantasy: A CK2 Style Final Fantasy quest
- Thread starter griffinlw
- Start date
- Crossover Fantasy Action
Okay, Important question: Who is Gilgamesh trying to ambush constantly?
Journal of a Gesthalian Researcher: The Lesser Espers
Had a flight of whimsy: "So the heartless are around, right?"
Journal of a Gesthalian Researcher: The Lesser Espers
Entry #46, journal 7
53 4.03
Bah. Is there still a point to dating these? That blasted "Sky-breaking" has thrown the natural order completely sideways!
Be that as it may, our first tests on these… Shadow creatures have yielded… Curious results. The power they yield is weaker than that of the espers, and is simultaneously far more transient and harder to contain. Furthermore, the magic we've gained from them only holds one affinity for power—namely that of shadow and darkness.
These downsides are immense, but we've also just confirmed that it seems impossible to drain these creatures dry of magic! Or that once we do, it simply collapses them into a strange, heart-like object to regenerate. In a few days time, they reappear in the containment tubes, as if they had never been drained in the first place!
While one of these creatures yields far less power than even the weakest esper we've contained here, this self-replenishing behavior makes them far more potent as a source of magic. Currently, we have not been able to do much with their shadow magics, but I'm confident that more uses will be discovered in time.
In these times, it's good to know that the art we've founded in the Gestahlian Empire is still a solid bedrock for us to rely on. I still have trouble believing that many people find magic—magic!—to be as common and ordinary for them as breathing air, and yet... We find ourselves at such a disadvantage! I thought our magitek the greatest advancements in humanity, but rumors abound of strange technologies and magicks that go beyond my wildest dreams.
I am afraid, I must confess. It feels as if the world grows stranger and more dangerous by the day. But that fear is tempered with pride—I have complete faith in our mighty empire to weather these strange times, and may we stand ever taller at the end of it!
Entry #57, journal 7
53 4.15
I suppose if nothing else, dating is of use to me for keeping track of time for my own sake. As it turns out, not even the passage of the sun can keep to a sane schedule. It has been two days since the last dawn, and I miss seeing the blue sky over my head as I walk through the streets.
This extended night isn't without its benefits, however! We managed to catch more of those creatures of darkness, and confirmed that their power can be granted to a person to give them a portion of their magic as well! We have also decided to call these creatures "lesser espers" for now, for their only difference seems to be their weakness and their singular affinity when harvested of magic.
While research is still ongoing, we have confirmed that unlike the espers we drained before, these lesser espers seem incapable of being drained dry. While the dark energy from them cannot grant someone the breadth of power that magicite would grant, with this power we can outfit all the members of our army with magic! This should raise the force of our military considerably, and close the gap between us and those strange places that command magic as readily as a trooper commands their guns.
Also of note—General Leo himself reported to me! He says he is concerned with the power granted by these lesser espers. According to his reports, the soldiers we have initially given the magicks from tended to become more irritable and difficult to work with. I dearly hope there are no more ramifications for these soldiers, and their condition is simply the result of having to adjust to their new powers.
Research is ongoing, however! I may even be a little bit of a mage myself, with how confident I am in these new developments! If there is one boon the sky-breaking had brought on us, it is revealing these lesser espers to us, so that we may make the Gesthalian Empire ever greater!
Entry #61 journal 7
53 4.19
I am… Concerned. We have gotten an update from General Leo, about his soldiers that were given the preliminary infusions. He has confirmed that many of his soldiers had, in fact, been simply adjusting to their newfound powers, but, he also reported that a concerning amount of them have simply disappeared without a trace. I have stopped the testing for now—I do not want to create the next Kefka Palazzo, and will be attempting to refine the process before creating any more infusions. However...
Emperor Gesthal has personally requested that we provide him with an infusion of this power, despite these developments. I tried my best to dissuade him, to at least wait for us to ascertain the energy can be rendered into a safer form, but he insisted otherwise. From what his attendants say, the Emperor seems to not have changed at all, but given General Leo's reports, I can't help but be worried.
For now, we have captured more of these lesser espers. It appears that they are highly adaptable, and the forms are varied. Some of them have even taken the shape of magitek armor that could be "piloted" by others!
In more concerning news, more also seem to be appearing in the Gesthalian Empire—apparently they are also audacious monsters, willing to even enter cities to attack people, though there have been no reports of attacks during the daytime. Could they be the cause for the strange disappearances?
I have placed my research on hold, in the light of recent events. I know some of my compatriots have decided to continue their research with the lesser espers, but in the case that my research bodes ill, I fear for my life.
Entry #55 journal 7
53 4.21
The past two days had been thoroughly harrowing for us. A sudden riot of those shadowy lesser espers attacked the capital, causing great chaos to spread through the city. But just as suddenly, the Emperor himself appeared, bearing an aura of incredible power around him. In fact, I think it was brimming with the same shadowy energy we had extracted from the lesser espers, and not only had he successfully taken in the infusion, but the power seems to have resonated with him!
With a command and a wave of his hand, the lesser espers all stilled and sunk themselves into the stones of the city! There has not been another attack heard of since!
Still, I cannot help but feel… Mixed. I saw someone being attacked by one of these lesser espers, and instead of a proper deathblow, the lesser esper seemed to take something from the person. I recognized this thing. It greatly resembled the heart that they become after their magic is extracted. Then, the person sunk into a dark energy, leaving no trace of their body behind, and the heart then morphed into another one of the lesser espers. Much like what it looked like when I saw them reform.
I can only hope with the Emperor's newfound command over them, they will not be attacking the ordinary people of the Gesthalian Empire ever again. And for those people who had been lost to their attacks... I feel my stomach churn at the idea of further testing on these lesser espers. Who knows how many of them may have been our citizens?
On a… Curious note, General Leo stopped by today. Apparently he had taken under his wing a boy with a strange, key-shaped sword. According to him, the boy is in great danger from these lesser espers, he has seen great promise in the boy, and said that he requires the boy for something important. Thus, I was to never prepare an infusion for his new protege.
I wager he personally took a shine to the boy, but I cannot find it in me to condemn the greatest general in our army for his magnanimity. Especially when I am also harboring doubts about my research...
Journal of a Gesthalian Researcher: The Lesser Espers
Entry #46, journal 7
53 4.03
Bah. Is there still a point to dating these? That blasted "Sky-breaking" has thrown the natural order completely sideways!
Be that as it may, our first tests on these… Shadow creatures have yielded… Curious results. The power they yield is weaker than that of the espers, and is simultaneously far more transient and harder to contain. Furthermore, the magic we've gained from them only holds one affinity for power—namely that of shadow and darkness.
These downsides are immense, but we've also just confirmed that it seems impossible to drain these creatures dry of magic! Or that once we do, it simply collapses them into a strange, heart-like object to regenerate. In a few days time, they reappear in the containment tubes, as if they had never been drained in the first place!
While one of these creatures yields far less power than even the weakest esper we've contained here, this self-replenishing behavior makes them far more potent as a source of magic. Currently, we have not been able to do much with their shadow magics, but I'm confident that more uses will be discovered in time.
In these times, it's good to know that the art we've founded in the Gestahlian Empire is still a solid bedrock for us to rely on. I still have trouble believing that many people find magic—magic!—to be as common and ordinary for them as breathing air, and yet... We find ourselves at such a disadvantage! I thought our magitek the greatest advancements in humanity, but rumors abound of strange technologies and magicks that go beyond my wildest dreams.
I am afraid, I must confess. It feels as if the world grows stranger and more dangerous by the day. But that fear is tempered with pride—I have complete faith in our mighty empire to weather these strange times, and may we stand ever taller at the end of it!
Entry #57, journal 7
53 4.15
I suppose if nothing else, dating is of use to me for keeping track of time for my own sake. As it turns out, not even the passage of the sun can keep to a sane schedule. It has been two days since the last dawn, and I miss seeing the blue sky over my head as I walk through the streets.
This extended night isn't without its benefits, however! We managed to catch more of those creatures of darkness, and confirmed that their power can be granted to a person to give them a portion of their magic as well! We have also decided to call these creatures "lesser espers" for now, for their only difference seems to be their weakness and their singular affinity when harvested of magic.
While research is still ongoing, we have confirmed that unlike the espers we drained before, these lesser espers seem incapable of being drained dry. While the dark energy from them cannot grant someone the breadth of power that magicite would grant, with this power we can outfit all the members of our army with magic! This should raise the force of our military considerably, and close the gap between us and those strange places that command magic as readily as a trooper commands their guns.
Also of note—General Leo himself reported to me! He says he is concerned with the power granted by these lesser espers. According to his reports, the soldiers we have initially given the magicks from tended to become more irritable and difficult to work with. I dearly hope there are no more ramifications for these soldiers, and their condition is simply the result of having to adjust to their new powers.
Research is ongoing, however! I may even be a little bit of a mage myself, with how confident I am in these new developments! If there is one boon the sky-breaking had brought on us, it is revealing these lesser espers to us, so that we may make the Gesthalian Empire ever greater!
Entry #61 journal 7
53 4.19
I am… Concerned. We have gotten an update from General Leo, about his soldiers that were given the preliminary infusions. He has confirmed that many of his soldiers had, in fact, been simply adjusting to their newfound powers, but, he also reported that a concerning amount of them have simply disappeared without a trace. I have stopped the testing for now—I do not want to create the next Kefka Palazzo, and will be attempting to refine the process before creating any more infusions. However...
Emperor Gesthal has personally requested that we provide him with an infusion of this power, despite these developments. I tried my best to dissuade him, to at least wait for us to ascertain the energy can be rendered into a safer form, but he insisted otherwise. From what his attendants say, the Emperor seems to not have changed at all, but given General Leo's reports, I can't help but be worried.
For now, we have captured more of these lesser espers. It appears that they are highly adaptable, and the forms are varied. Some of them have even taken the shape of magitek armor that could be "piloted" by others!
In more concerning news, more also seem to be appearing in the Gesthalian Empire—apparently they are also audacious monsters, willing to even enter cities to attack people, though there have been no reports of attacks during the daytime. Could they be the cause for the strange disappearances?
I have placed my research on hold, in the light of recent events. I know some of my compatriots have decided to continue their research with the lesser espers, but in the case that my research bodes ill, I fear for my life.
Entry #55 journal 7
53 4.21
The past two days had been thoroughly harrowing for us. A sudden riot of those shadowy lesser espers attacked the capital, causing great chaos to spread through the city. But just as suddenly, the Emperor himself appeared, bearing an aura of incredible power around him. In fact, I think it was brimming with the same shadowy energy we had extracted from the lesser espers, and not only had he successfully taken in the infusion, but the power seems to have resonated with him!
With a command and a wave of his hand, the lesser espers all stilled and sunk themselves into the stones of the city! There has not been another attack heard of since!
Still, I cannot help but feel… Mixed. I saw someone being attacked by one of these lesser espers, and instead of a proper deathblow, the lesser esper seemed to take something from the person. I recognized this thing. It greatly resembled the heart that they become after their magic is extracted. Then, the person sunk into a dark energy, leaving no trace of their body behind, and the heart then morphed into another one of the lesser espers. Much like what it looked like when I saw them reform.
I can only hope with the Emperor's newfound command over them, they will not be attacking the ordinary people of the Gesthalian Empire ever again. And for those people who had been lost to their attacks... I feel my stomach churn at the idea of further testing on these lesser espers. Who knows how many of them may have been our citizens?
On a… Curious note, General Leo stopped by today. Apparently he had taken under his wing a boy with a strange, key-shaped sword. According to him, the boy is in great danger from these lesser espers, he has seen great promise in the boy, and said that he requires the boy for something important. Thus, I was to never prepare an infusion for his new protege.
I wager he personally took a shine to the boy, but I cannot find it in me to condemn the greatest general in our army for his magnanimity. Especially when I am also harboring doubts about my research...
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- Location
- Washington
- Pronouns
- He/Him
Clive. Because he needs some levity in his life of constant violence.
I did greatly enjoy this Omake, it makes total sense to me that the Gesthalians would be like "Darkness! Cool!" and either not understand or not care that this is a very bad thing they're doing actually. It is non canon, but please enjoy a cool 3 QP anyway
Turn 6
Local Events (Rabanastre)
Preparing to Fly Free
These aren't warships, they're carriers and freighters floating along cargo and passengers. You expect they'll become common sights within the region, and perhaps other parts of the world as time goes on.
[Private and Commercial airships will begin traveling from Rabanstre to other settlements.]
[??? Will leave in 2 turns]
Map of the Eastern Continent
Outside of that, it's a fairly comprehensive map of the region, complete with suggested paths to avoid the more dangerous areas. Not too impressive to a seasoned explorer, but very useful to the common folk. The Hunters might be willing to go father from home now.
[Travel between discovered locations is difficult but doable by sufficiently armed group]
[Northeastern/Dalmasca Region: Identified settlements: Rabanstre, Lostime, Padarak, Cleyra.]
[Unidentified settlements: Canyon Village & Town of the Bright Night.]
Shinra "Trade Caravan."
It could have something to do with the 3rd Class SOLDIER guards being used. Or there was some leverage you hadn't seen. You just can't believe that Shinra would do something so mutually beneficial.
[Shinra and Dalmasca gain Funds]
[Minor SOLDIER presence in Dalmasca, as caravan guards]
Empire Envoys
Luckily this time there was no spying needed, Ashe sent you a letter to ask if you had any knowledge about the Gestahlian Empire or its envoys. Sadly you did not, and left a letter telling her as such. Still, the fact that the envoys they sent were generals felt… foreboding to you. Granted the only general you knew of was... him.
[General Leo and General Celes are in Dalmasca as envoys from the Gestahlian Empire]
World Events
Open Borders
Shinra demands that those traveling through its territory be clearly identified, and warns that suspicious activity will be investigated. Airships will be permitted, but must land outside of Midgar and be subjected to checks.
The Church of Yevon only insists that Machina be kept to a minimum, and airships in particular not be brought into their sacred lands. Normal ships and travel are fine.
Not quite ideal, but not too bad either.
[Travel between Dalmasca and Shinra is allowed, though monitered]
[Travel between Dalmasca and Yevon is allowed, though they frown on the use of Airships]
Trade Route Finished: Dalmasca to Padarak
The first signs of trade have already come in, weapons and gems from Padarak cropping up in Rabanastre's Bazaar. It's a good sign for the fledgling allies.
[Items produced by both factions can be found in each other's shops]
[Improves the Fund generation of both Kingdoms]
[Travel between Dalmasca and Padarak is much safer]
Blitzball League Resumes
Played underwater, Blitzball is a full-contact sport where the goal is to get the ball across the field and into the opponent's goal. Opponents are allowed to punch, kick, and tackle to try and steal the ball.
More importantly, after a period of time where there was nothing but low-stakes exhibition matches, the league is resuming.
[Blitzball is a highly popular sport in Church of Yevon-controlled regions]
Formation of the Midgar Mastiffs
The official response from the Church is apparently a cautious acceptance, under the assumption that partaking of one such ritual may lead to them embracing others.
[Relations between Shinra and the Church of Yevon have improved… somewhat]
[The Midgar Mastiffs Blitzball Team has been formed]
The Coldness of Cocoon
The Sanctum of Cocoon.
[Relations between the Sanctum and other factions are frosty at best, and hostile at worst]
Turn 6 Actions
Current Funds: 1Note: Aerith doesn't have control of a faction, but she does have allies. From here on, Personal Actions have been unlocked. Faction Actions may have a single hero assigned to them, and all heroes may perform a single Personal Action. As the main character, Aerith would normally have 4 Personal Actions. However, she only has 1 at the moment, to represent how she is still doing the lion's share of the work. To gain more Personal Actions, acquire more allies and grow your faction.
Second Note: Shadow can be hired for 1 Fund to assist in a Faction Action, but he has not properly joined you. Yet
Martial
[ ] Hunt Your Prepared Targets: Nazaran, Greeden, and Razorfin. The three targets you picked out are suitable targets for a hunt. You only need one to earn entry to Clan Centurio, but each additional hunt will earn extra rewards. Why not go for as many as you can? [DC: 20/60/100] (Reward: Entry to Clan Centurio. If chosen on the same turn as "Meet Montblanc" this action will resolve first. Gain Funds on higher tier success)[ ] Explore the Desert Around Dalmasca: Now that the blizzard is gone there's less danger involved in exploring the desert. But should you explore around Dalmasca when you know other places to go further? [DC: 50] (Reward: Find locations of interest or items.)
[ ] Explore the Garamsythe Waterway: On your adventure, you charted a few paths in the Waterway, but according to Ashe there are supposed to be more, and of course, you might find more treasure too… [DC: 50] (Reward: Find locations of interest or items)
[ ] Make Sunstones To Sell: Even though the blizzard and following cold snap are over, the frigid weather has people scared of a potential repeat. Sunstones are a hot commodity, and you could make good money selling them. [DC: 40/80] (Reward: Funds depending on tier of success) (Note: Sunstone price will return to normal in 2 Turns)
[ ] Practice fighting in Formation: You noticed during your adventure that while you worked well together, your team cohesion could still use some work. The same thing happened with AVALANCHE, slowly developing tighter team tactics. Dedicating some time to training might help with that. [DC: 60] (Reward: Unlock "Formations" during adventures or combat)
Diplomacy
[ ] Meet Montblanc: You have the Earth Dragon Heartscale as a trophy, which seems like it would be enough to serve as your "Entry Fee" for Clan Centurio. You would have to give the scale up, but entry into the clan seems worth it.[DC: Auto Pass] (Reward: Make contact with Montblanc and Clan Centurio. Additional options may be voted on)[ ] Indulge in Gossip: One of the best ways to keep an ear out is just to talk and listen. While you're at it, maybe you can try to slip in some good rumors about Basch's reputation. [DC: 30/70] (Reward: Reveal additional information about world and local events. Improve Basch's reputation)
[ ] Visit the Cartographer's Guild: They'll start selling maps soon, but until they are 100% convinced of its quality, no maps for anyone. You understand why they want to check and double-check the accuracy, but the wait is brutal. Maybe you should see if there's any info they're willing to share. [DC: ???] (Reward: Gain early access to in-progress maps. Potential for collaboration and monetary rewards)
[ ] Visit the Airship Docks: Now that things have settled down a bit, the airship fleets docked around Rabanstre are being put to use. Some airships are private, some airships are public, but they all seem prepared to travel. [DC: 40] (Reward: Familiarize yourself with the private and public airships in Dalmasca. Will open options for quick and efficient travel, and may lead to meeting the owners]
[ ] Question the Shinra Caravan: The SOLDIERs might be the elite army to a despotic dictatorship, but most of them don't know that. Most of them are proud of themselves, and questioning them may give you some insight into what Shinra has been up to. There is a slight risk you might be identified though… [DC: 60]
Stewardship
[ ] Start Selling Flowers: This is what you used to do back in Midgar, gather up some of what you've grown in your garden and sell it. You'll have to get a cart or a wheelbarrow to use, but after that nothing will stop you. If you start doing it once or twice a week, you might make a lot of money. [DC: 40/80] (Reward: Gain Funds on a success. Slightly improves business reputation)[ ] Sell The Magicite: By this point you know the Magicite is a powerful artifact. If you find the right buyer they would snap it up, but maybe you should be the one to hold onto it... [DC: Auto/50/90] (Reward: Gain a large amount of Funds immediately)
[ ] Open a Stall in the Bazaar: Rabanstre's Bazaar is where a very large portion of its business gets done. A stall won't be as glamorous as a shop, or as cheap as selling from a cart, but it'll earn you more business. [DC: 40/60/80/100] (Reward: Gain Funds depending on the tier of success. Slightly improves Aerith's reputation) (Note: Costs 1 fund. Crossing the 40 DC will break even)
[ ] Make a Deal with Migelo: You've looked after Migelo's kids and done odd jobs for him before, you have a bit of a rapport now. He sells a mix of nick-nacks, and accessories, souvenirs, and has a small section devoted to medicine. If you provide the goods and he sells them, you may not have to get involved in the selling process at all. But you aren't really an established seller or brand so you have no guarantee it will sell. [DC: 80] (Reward: Gain passive income, as your products are sold at Migelo's shop)
[ ] Open a Store: Opening a store would be a big step forward, but you're not ready for it. You would need a venue, lots of money, and enough products to make it worth it. You don't have any of those things, but maybe you can work towards them. [Locked. Requires venue, products, and Funds]
Intrigue
[ ] Acquire A Fake 'Trophy': It's dishonest of you, but finding or making a fake trophy to get you into Clan Centurio would be easier than hunting a monster yourself. If they find out it's fake though… [DC: 40/80] (Reward: Acquire entry into Clan Centurio. On a tier 2 success, Aerith is completely safe from suspicion)[ ] Air Pirates?: The way people talk about Air Pirates suggests that they were rebels against authority and the empire, but not necessarily criminals. Some smuggled, some raided, but most were simply free spirits branded as pirates by the empire. With the new activity in the airship docks, now seems like a good time to try and track them down. [DC: 60] (Reward: Make contact with the criminal underworld)
[ ] Find the Black Market: It's just a rumor for now… but there are whispers that a black market is forming in the lower city, where stolen and illegal goods are being sold. After Wall Market you're not too keen on the idea, but they might have useful stuff down there… [DC: 80] (Reward: Gain access to the Black Market, where rare and sometimes illegal goods are sold)
[ ] Steal Goods from the Shinra Caravan: Yuffie would be so proud. Most of what Shinra is moving isn't too special, but if you're lucky you might be able to steal some materia. There's a chance you'll be seen, but you're confident in your ability to escape into the undercity. [DC: 70] (Reward: Obtain random items from Shinra's caravan)
[ ] Spy on the Shinra Caravan: You're honestly not sure what the Shinra Caravan is doing here. This has never happened in your experience, granted that may be because in your world Shinra already had the world under its boot. If you're lucky, you might be able to figure it out through observation. [DC: 40] (Reward: Gain information on Shinra's activities and plans)
Learning
[ ] What Could You Make?: Back in Midgar you only sold flowers, it was less about the money and more about bringing smiles to people. Now that money is a bit more of an issue maybe you should look into what you can turn those flowers and sprouts into. Perfume, incense, medicine… [DC: 40/70/100] (Reward: Lowers DC of Stewardship options related to selling products.][ ] Research Chaos: It's going to be difficult to face down Chaos when you don't even know who or what he/it is. Rabanstre's library has a truly impressive volume of books, maybe one of them will have something on Chaos? [DC: 80] (Reward: Obtain information on Chaos]
[ ] What is Magicite?: At first, you kept equating Magicite and Materia as the same thing in your head, but that's not quite true is it? If you study it you might be able to find out what's different about it [DC: 60] (Note: Uses Magic) (Reward: Improve connection to the Ice Magicite & unravel its secrets)
[ ] Monster Research: Maybe it's due to the close proximity to the Hunter Clans, but you've heard Rabanastre has a lot of information on monsters. Maybe it'll help you prepare for your upcoming journey, maybe you'll find a hint about that monster in the Waterway, or maybe you'll find a good target to hunt for Clan Centurio. [DC: 40/80] (Identify monsters in the Dalmasca region, providing additional information in combat and lowering the DC of monster hunts. Chance to uncover the identity of the monster in the Waterway)
[ ] Faction Founding 101: You have the start of a team, but that might not be enough. Dalmasca has businesses, guilds, pirate crews, and hunter clans. If you were to form a proper organization, how would you go about it, and what form would it take? [DC: 50] (Reward: Reveals the steps required to form a faction, and provides information on the forms they may take)
[ ] Visit Padarak: With the trade route properly in place, visiting Padarak would be as easy as hitching a ride or walking. Monster attacks have been rare and easily pushed back, so it doesn't seem risky at all. [DC: Auto Pass] (Reward: Unlock Actions related to or in Padarak. Potentially meet heroes from Padarak)
Personals
[ ] Home Brew Potions: After getting enough practice in, you're pretty sure you can make some medicine for cheap. You can keep them for yourself or sell them later.
[ ] Practice Self-Defense: It's not really your fault, you don't have any real training. But it still feels bad when you're the softest target in your party. That isn't going to change overnight though, you'll have to put the work in.
[ ] Go Shopping: There's plenty to buy in Rabanstre's shops, medicine, weapons, armor, magic items, so on and so on. It could be useful, but it's also going to be expensive.
[ ] Attend a Yevonite Sermon: You're just curious at this point. Wakka gave you a little information, but it wasn't enough for you to form a full opinion. What is Yevon's deal?
[ ] Visit Migelo and the Kids: They were kind enough to take care of your garden while you were away, it's only right for you to visit and say thank you.
[ ] Plant the Mystery Seeds from Lostime: You're not sure what will grow from these little seeds, they're a mystery. Only one way to find out though!
[ ] Practice Self-Defense: It's not really your fault, you don't have any real training. But it still feels bad when you're the softest target in your party. That isn't going to change overnight though, you'll have to put the work in.
[ ] Go Shopping: There's plenty to buy in Rabanstre's shops, medicine, weapons, armor, magic items, so on and so on. It could be useful, but it's also going to be expensive.
[ ] Attend a Yevonite Sermon: You're just curious at this point. Wakka gave you a little information, but it wasn't enough for you to form a full opinion. What is Yevon's deal?
[ ] Visit Migelo and the Kids: They were kind enough to take care of your garden while you were away, it's only right for you to visit and say thank you.
[ ] Plant the Mystery Seeds from Lostime: You're not sure what will grow from these little seeds, they're a mystery. Only one way to find out though!
[ ] Home Brew Potions: It's Always a good idea to keep a healthy stock of medicine on hand.
[ ] Help Aerith Pick Seeds: You always try to keep stocked by picking up what you can, but it'd be really nice if Aerith could incorporate some of the plants you need into her garden. Having some ready to go right at home would be mighty convenient.
[ ] Ply Your Trade: Hey, you're an Apothecary. It's what you do.
[ ] Universal Herbology Catalog: Trying to make a usable codex when you have several world's worth of plants is a hell of an undertaking. But you've heard someone plans to try. It'd be a nice feather in your cap to contribute.
[ ] Help Aerith Pick Seeds: You always try to keep stocked by picking up what you can, but it'd be really nice if Aerith could incorporate some of the plants you need into her garden. Having some ready to go right at home would be mighty convenient.
[ ] Ply Your Trade: Hey, you're an Apothecary. It's what you do.
[ ] Universal Herbology Catalog: Trying to make a usable codex when you have several world's worth of plants is a hell of an undertaking. But you've heard someone plans to try. It'd be a nice feather in your cap to contribute.
[ ] Watch a play: There's a play in a nearby theatre, "I Want To Be Your Canary," what are the chances…
[ ] Train: The only way to stay in top form is to train and practice constantly. Perform some katas to maintain your strength.
[ ] Hunt On Your Own Time: You've become quite an accomplished hunter during your time in Dalmasca. Killing lesser prey for a little coin is well within your skillset.
[ ] Visit 'Him': You wanted to see him for so long and now you can hardly bear it. How ironic…
[ ] Train: The only way to stay in top form is to train and practice constantly. Perform some katas to maintain your strength.
[ ] Hunt On Your Own Time: You've become quite an accomplished hunter during your time in Dalmasca. Killing lesser prey for a little coin is well within your skillset.
[ ] Visit 'Him': You wanted to see him for so long and now you can hardly bear it. How ironic…
There will be a 24 Hour Moratorium before voting opens. Please use this time to plan and discuss.
[](name later, plan discussion now.)
-[]Hunt your prepared targets
-[]Meet Montblanc
-[]Start Selling Flowers
-[]Steal Goods from the Shinra Caravan(Hire Shadow)
-[]Faction Founding 101
-[]Personals
--[]Home Brew Potions (Aerith)
--[]Ply Your Trade (Alfyn)
--[]Visit 'Him' (Freya)
Here's my personal thoughts for a plan. Dunno what to call it yet, hence the placeholder name.
-[]Hunt your prepared targets
-[]Meet Montblanc
-[]Start Selling Flowers
-[]Steal Goods from the Shinra Caravan(Hire Shadow)
-[]Faction Founding 101
-[]Personals
--[]Home Brew Potions (Aerith)
--[]Ply Your Trade (Alfyn)
--[]Visit 'Him' (Freya)
Here's my personal thoughts for a plan. Dunno what to call it yet, hence the placeholder name.
woo, new turn!
had a wild thought for a bit, this quest lets you take multiple actions from a single category right?
what if right now we have a *heavy* learning action turn? it'll be wild, trust me
still need to work out specifics, but right now before things pick up and before we potentially get a faction that limits our flexibility getting some stuff that's useful long-term out of the way could be a good call?
actions like figuring out more about what products to use, chaos's deal, our magicite, local monsters and what to do regarding factions could unlock/improve future actions so worth doing beforehand, and they're way more convenient to get done now as opposed to when more stuff goes wrong and we need to respond?
it's also interesting to see we have hero personal actions now, definitely a good thing.
note that at least one action has moved into there (alfyn giving advice for seeds), which is also nice. taking that one and upgrading what we're growing might give us some nice benefits for potion creation long-term so has my vote.
disregarding my zany scheme for a moment, we might want to look into other groups like the airship traders. if we're planning on doing it at some point it might be better to do it sooner so as to possibly find whoever's leaving. if they're hinted at it could be someone important? fingers crossed for someone we know personally lol
another idea, if we want to question/spy on the shinra caravan(could be good, info of what they're up to would be one load off our backs at least and we might get something valuable to share with Ashe to stick it to them) then we might be best having a hero do it and mitigate the risk of identification? seems like an easy measure to take so might as well right? (less sure who to pick/which version of the action as there's multiple possibilities, just want to get the "assigning someone else means we don't need to worry about a positive ID" idea out there)
(though admittedly out of +funds actionshunting for stuff should still be a good option since we also get some exp/to keep our dragonscale, and at least selling some flowers would get us some business reputation? could be handy when doing things on a larger scale...)
had a wild thought for a bit, this quest lets you take multiple actions from a single category right?
what if right now we have a *heavy* learning action turn? it'll be wild, trust me
still need to work out specifics, but right now before things pick up and before we potentially get a faction that limits our flexibility getting some stuff that's useful long-term out of the way could be a good call?
actions like figuring out more about what products to use, chaos's deal, our magicite, local monsters and what to do regarding factions could unlock/improve future actions so worth doing beforehand, and they're way more convenient to get done now as opposed to when more stuff goes wrong and we need to respond?
it's also interesting to see we have hero personal actions now, definitely a good thing.
note that at least one action has moved into there (alfyn giving advice for seeds), which is also nice. taking that one and upgrading what we're growing might give us some nice benefits for potion creation long-term so has my vote.
disregarding my zany scheme for a moment, we might want to look into other groups like the airship traders. if we're planning on doing it at some point it might be better to do it sooner so as to possibly find whoever's leaving. if they're hinted at it could be someone important? fingers crossed for someone we know personally lol
another idea, if we want to question/spy on the shinra caravan(could be good, info of what they're up to would be one load off our backs at least and we might get something valuable to share with Ashe to stick it to them) then we might be best having a hero do it and mitigate the risk of identification? seems like an easy measure to take so might as well right? (less sure who to pick/which version of the action as there's multiple possibilities, just want to get the "assigning someone else means we don't need to worry about a positive ID" idea out there)
might could be better long-term if we switch raiding the caravan for investigating it and selling stuff immediately for sorting out what we're selling first, we don't really have much that urgently needs funds so things that give more funds in the future are better right?
(though admittedly out of +funds actionshunting for stuff should still be a good option since we also get some exp/to keep our dragonscale, and at least selling some flowers would get us some business reputation? could be handy when doing things on a larger scale...)
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- Location
- Somewhere in the area
- Pronouns
- He/She/They
[] Plan: Flowers, Flying, and Friendship
-[] Hunt Your Prepared Targets:
--[] Freya
-[] Visit the Airship Docks:
--[] Alfyn
-[] Start Selling Flowers:
-[] Air Pirates?:
--[] Hire Shadow
-[] Faction Founding 101:
-[] Plant the Mystery Seeds from Lostime:
-[] Help Aerith Pick Seeds:
-[] Visit 'Him':
Obviously we should still hunt the targets we picked out before our adventure, as I'd rather hold onto the heartscale even if it counts as a trophy. But I think we should hold off on meeting with Montblanc for a turn or two.
With the world starting to open up/reconnect after the Upheaval, we should try and familiarize ourselves with the local airship captains/air pirates before they begin setting off for other places. The Local Events imply that there's someone notable there we'll miss if we wait too long. If we're lucky, we'll find a captain willing to join our group and provide us with reliable and rapid transportation. More likely, we'll find someone we can trust to be regularly available for hire when we need to get somewhere fast.
Otherwise I agree with @Talow that we should begin selling flowers to generate some badly needed income, and start working towards becoming a proper Faction. To that end I also have Aerith and Alfyn's personal actions improving the selection in Aerith's home garden. That way when we take "What Could You Make?" we'll have the widest possible options to work off of.
@griffinlw now that the Map of the Eastern Continent is done, will the World Map on the informational tab be getting updated too? The Kingdom of Dalmasca section of it, I mean.
-[] Hunt Your Prepared Targets:
--[] Freya
-[] Visit the Airship Docks:
--[] Alfyn
-[] Start Selling Flowers:
-[] Air Pirates?:
--[] Hire Shadow
-[] Faction Founding 101:
-[] Plant the Mystery Seeds from Lostime:
-[] Help Aerith Pick Seeds:
-[] Visit 'Him':
Obviously we should still hunt the targets we picked out before our adventure, as I'd rather hold onto the heartscale even if it counts as a trophy. But I think we should hold off on meeting with Montblanc for a turn or two.
With the world starting to open up/reconnect after the Upheaval, we should try and familiarize ourselves with the local airship captains/air pirates before they begin setting off for other places. The Local Events imply that there's someone notable there we'll miss if we wait too long. If we're lucky, we'll find a captain willing to join our group and provide us with reliable and rapid transportation. More likely, we'll find someone we can trust to be regularly available for hire when we need to get somewhere fast.
Otherwise I agree with @Talow that we should begin selling flowers to generate some badly needed income, and start working towards becoming a proper Faction. To that end I also have Aerith and Alfyn's personal actions improving the selection in Aerith's home garden. That way when we take "What Could You Make?" we'll have the widest possible options to work off of.
@griffinlw now that the Map of the Eastern Continent is done, will the World Map on the informational tab be getting updated too? The Kingdom of Dalmasca section of it, I mean.
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Once I've found a way to update it I like, yes. My first attempt was experimenting with the generic paint program, and so far nothing has looked super good. Art and visual design aren't my forte, sadly.
Omake Bounty Board- 2
Omake Bounty Board 2
If You Were Here...You often wonder what the others would have done in this situation. Could they have handled it better, or would they have handled it worse? What decisions would they have made differently?
Premise: Write a hypothetical about another member of AVALANCHE in Dalmasca instead of Aerith
Reward: +10 to an action of the Author's choice (Next Turn)
Ratsbane
Dalmasca has always been equal parts home and a cage for you. You love the city and it's people... but your deepest desire for years has been to leave and roam the skies. One day you'll be a Sky Pirate, virtuous and free. If you have to scrabble in the dirt killing rats to get there, so be it.
Premise: Write a story about Vaan ruminating on the price of freedom, and his own wish for wings.
Reward: +20 to Action "Air Pirates?" or Vaan Levels Up. Potential for Canon Conversion
Kingslayer
The whispers follow Basch wherever he goes 'kingslayer' they say. 'traitor' they whisper. But it doesn't matter. You served your king, and you'll serve his daughter.
Premise: Write a story about Basch enduring the suspicions of his fellow knights, but keeping a steady heart all the same.
Reward: +10 to your next Martial action or reduce unrest in Dalmasca. Potential for Canon Conversion
Premise: Write a story about Tidus finding his footing in Midgar.
Reward: +5 to Shinra's next diplomacy action towards the Church of Yevon or +10 to the Midgar Mastiff's performance in their debut blitzball game.
Completed by Shogeton. Reward, +10 to the Midgar Mastiff's debut blitzball game.
Leo's Field Report:
The world may have changed, but a general's responsibilities haven't. Prepare your men as best you can, and prepare for whatever comes your way
Premise: Write a story about how General Leo of the Gestahlian Empire is training his soldiers to deal with new hazards, and how he expects to approach one of the other factions.
Reward: +10 to the Gestahlian Empire's first diplomacy or martial action against the described faction.
Premise: Write a story about a member of Tantalus bumping into Vaan.
Reward: +10 to your next Intrigue action or Vaan makes contact with Tantalus.
Completed by FinaLapel. Reward: Vaan makes contact with Tantalus
Guardian Core:
New world, new problems, and some old problems for good measure. You didn't care for Cocoon's new territory, but it was a part of Cocoon, and as a member of the Guardian Core, you had to defend it. What a pain…
Premise: Write a story about Lightning adjusting to the new missions of the Guardian Core and the state of the world.
Reward: ???
Premise: Write a story about Nora and Hope paying the price to return home… or turning their back on it forever.
Reward: ???
Completed by FinaLapel. Reward: Hope returns home. Nora is branded and becomes a Cocoon Hero
The Knight and The Squire:
Protecting Lostime all on your own was a difficult and exhausting endeavor. You were looking for a helper, a squire if you will. After looking around for a bit, you found your best bet—the unusually athletic mailman.
Premise: Write a story about Cecil attempting to teach the amnesiac Cloud how to fight
Reward: ???
Mako and Magicite
Completed by Exatto. Reward: +10 to next Learning Action.
I've been keeping a bunch of these in reserve for various reasons (spoilers, it wasn't the right time, etc) but here it is the next Omake Bounty Board. Complete with hints on what a few characters are up to. I also transferred over the 'unused' Omakes from the first board.
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Omegahugger
Inattentive Idiot
Gentlefolk of the thread, I have a suggestion for what kind of faction we should make.
I'll be honest, I have no idea what goes into actually making a Blitzball Team beyond we need way more players.
Oh, honestly I like Doctor Elsewhere's version of a plan far better. I was just kinda operating on vibes for mine. (and completely missed that I could assign Freya and Alfyn to actions.)
Oh, honestly I like Doctor Elsewhere's version of a plan far better. I was just kinda operating on vibes for mine. (and completely missed that I could assign Freya and Alfyn to actions.)
- Pronouns
- She/Her
Okay, so, Personals and Allies have opened up, so let me see if I've got the ground rules right before speculating on a plan:
- For each Stat Category Action, we can choose 1 Ally to enhance the action instead of Aerith. Specifically instead, I think? I could be wrong there, but that sounds familiar. Either way, one assignment per Ally Aerith has.
- Aerith and each Ally get one Personal Action regardless of the Stat Category Actions or being assigned to them.
This look about right? Any errata I'm glossing over?
- For each Stat Category Action, we can choose 1 Ally to enhance the action instead of Aerith. Specifically instead, I think? I could be wrong there, but that sounds familiar. Either way, one assignment per Ally Aerith has.
- Aerith and each Ally get one Personal Action regardless of the Stat Category Actions or being assigned to them.
This look about right? Any errata I'm glossing over?
It's in addition to Aerith's stats. Otherwise, yes you have the rules down.
Something else to consider, there may be narrative benefits or penalties to what actions you assign people to, but they are less baked into the rules and more just, logic/reasoning. Stuff like, Freya is good at hunting dragons, Alfyn doesn't like fighting people. Personality traits to keep in mind.
WHEW! Lots of stuff to do, lots of things to see! And wow, does it feel good to see that the map opened up. It feels like the world itself also "breathed out a sigh of relief."
Celes is still with the Gesthalian Empire too? Huh... Guess we're only partway through with Act 1 of FFVI for this timeline.
Celes is still with the Gesthalian Empire too? Huh... Guess we're only partway through with Act 1 of FFVI for this timeline.
MMmmm... While on one hand, I really want to meet the ???? who's leaving in 2 turns (Sezter, maybe?)... Maybe we can cozy up to the Cartographers by giving some info on Cleyra, or the areas around it, while they're still in the process of working on that? Might be an easy way to get an extra Fund or something.
This is cute! Rufus made his dog the mascot of his new Blitzball team!
... HUH! Gotta admit, I wasn't expecting that! Though I probably should have.
... ! SUMMON OPTION! If anyone is willing to include this as an option, I'll definitely be spending a chunk of QP on it! XP
I believe that was only allowed before we got access to personal actions?
- Pronouns
- He/Him
Let's see, I really like the idea of forming a healthcare/pharmaceutical company, but of course, the first step is just 'a shop'
[ ] Hunt Your Prepared Targets:
This one I feel we can do with Freya Assistance. I think that is relatively straightforward.
[ ] Meet Montblanc:
If we're doing this prep, might as well immediately open up, and see what options that gives us next turn.
[ ] Open a Stall in the Bazaar:
This one I'd really like. Get ourselves out there, selling stuff.
[ ] Air Pirates?:
This with Shadow. Smugglers might be good people to know.
[ ] What Could You Make?:
I kind of want to lean into this more. After all, money and knowledge will be needed And this is something where Alwyn could really help us out.
[ ] Hunt Your Prepared Targets:
This one I feel we can do with Freya Assistance. I think that is relatively straightforward.
[ ] Meet Montblanc:
If we're doing this prep, might as well immediately open up, and see what options that gives us next turn.
[ ] Open a Stall in the Bazaar:
This one I'd really like. Get ourselves out there, selling stuff.
[ ] Air Pirates?:
This with Shadow. Smugglers might be good people to know.
[ ] What Could You Make?:
I kind of want to lean into this more. After all, money and knowledge will be needed And this is something where Alwyn could really help us out.
- Location
- Somewhere in the area
- Pronouns
- He/She/They
I will note that the current maps the Cartographers' Guild are selling lack any precise detail, as they are based on aerial scouting provided by Rabanstre's airships. We can see the results of that in the list of identified/unidentified settlements, where only the ones which have formally made contact with Rabanstre have names.
So even after they add Cleyra and it's immediate surroundings to their maps, they're still going to be in need of ground-level scouting/cartography work to improve their maps further. While we may be able to provide some basic details we recall from our journey, considering how much of it was walking through a sandstorm, I doubt it'll be of much use for them.
really? wow that's absolutely awful timing of me
though admittedly past turns we've been busy, so wouldn't have been a good option then lol
suggestions in this message seem like good calls (business stuff is nice), but if we're hiring shadow to do intrigue what about assigning them to the black market? may be a better source to *get* that smuggled stuff than the smuggling itself?
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- Pronouns
- She/Her
Okay, so,
I have incredibly vested interests in learning many things. And magick. As such, the plan I've settled on reflects that.
[] Academia and the Arcane
-[] Explore the Garamsythe Waterway:
--[] Freya
-[] Visit the Airship Docks:
--[] Alfyn
-[] Open a Stall in the Bazaar:
-[] Spy on the Shinra Caravan:
-[] What is Magicite?:
-[] Plant the Mystery Seeds from Lostime:
-[] Universal Herbology Catalog:
-[] Visit 'Him':
As much as getting our trophies would be nice, the Waterway is mysterious and in some ways treacherous. Let's get it cleared up and mapped out with Freya's meaty Martial stat.
I was initially planning to ply Alfyn's silver tongue to interrogate Shinra. However, there wasn't much else I felt like doing in Intrigue for now, and the check seems reasonable for Aerith on her own, so we're getting his help with the Airship Docks instead while Aerith spies on the caravan.
As much as I'm distracted from the general sentiment of opening a store, I don't see anything better to do in Stewardship than to get ourselves off the ground and build a reputation for our future commercial endeavours.
I do not need to explain why I'm magnetically attracted to the Magicite investigation, especially with Aerith's Magic of (currently) 29.
Lastly, start uncovering the seeds' mysteries, get herbal lore to the best it can be for our purposes, and Freya getting immediately shoved in the emotional deep end. Godspeed, you glorious Dragoon.
I have incredibly vested interests in learning many things. And magick. As such, the plan I've settled on reflects that.
[] Academia and the Arcane
-[] Explore the Garamsythe Waterway:
--[] Freya
-[] Visit the Airship Docks:
--[] Alfyn
-[] Open a Stall in the Bazaar:
-[] Spy on the Shinra Caravan:
-[] What is Magicite?:
-[] Plant the Mystery Seeds from Lostime:
-[] Universal Herbology Catalog:
-[] Visit 'Him':
As much as getting our trophies would be nice, the Waterway is mysterious and in some ways treacherous. Let's get it cleared up and mapped out with Freya's meaty Martial stat.
I was initially planning to ply Alfyn's silver tongue to interrogate Shinra. However, there wasn't much else I felt like doing in Intrigue for now, and the check seems reasonable for Aerith on her own, so we're getting his help with the Airship Docks instead while Aerith spies on the caravan.
As much as I'm distracted from the general sentiment of opening a store, I don't see anything better to do in Stewardship than to get ourselves off the ground and build a reputation for our future commercial endeavours.
I do not need to explain why I'm magnetically attracted to the Magicite investigation, especially with Aerith's Magic of (currently) 29.
Lastly, start uncovering the seeds' mysteries, get herbal lore to the best it can be for our purposes, and Freya getting immediately shoved in the emotional deep end. Godspeed, you glorious Dragoon.
I think the way I put it back then was something to the effect of. "I will allow it before you have a faction." Because the actions were all Aerith's doing anyway. You're kind of inbetween having and not having a faction right now but you've got personals so… I'm gonna say no. Sorry.
If you plan on writing the Omake you have a bit of freedom on when exactly. But I intended it to be very early in Tidus's journey. Like, after leaving Zanarkand for the first time but long before he got properly acclimated to, or fully understood the Church of Yevon.
We will make you our friend Shadow. It is inevitable.
We need to take this. We have hilariously low hp to the point a boss could one-shot us on a good roll.
Otherwise, meeting Montblanc and researching factions are a high priority. Getting an in with a faction and learning how to make our own open up a lot of opportunities.
On the subject of Gilgamesh, here's a fun fact. If you guys waited too long to buy the Buster Sword, Gilgamesh was going to come buy it and add it to his collection. Our favorite Swordsman of Legend is out and about, fear not.Or do, Gil can be scary if he wants to be.
Also, you may have noticed the lack of a Chaos Event this turn. Don't worry. That's on purpose